1A/N: End…end… end? END? Nope, sounds sad no matter how many times I say it. Hope you all enjoyed the ride with me through this weird writing spree we call fanfic writing.

I must desperately apologize for how long this took. I know I promised to work on it quickly and I did start this pretty well right after finishing the last chapter…but well, it's a long story. Mostly involving cry and avoiding computers, by me of course. So, I am sorry and I hope we can all enjoy this chapter as my last. I put a lot of love and pain into this so enjoy it! Please!!!!

And if anyone was wondering why it took so long I did put that note up on my profile. And for those who don't read those, I was dumped, plane and simple. Though it's not that simple, again, it's a long story. Never mind.

And lastly, I am working on two other fanfics and half of a novel…sorta. Both one-shots and should be expected up on here around summer time, which I keep forgetting is like next week…. Ok maybe longer, like in August. Also I have idea for others but haven't started them. Story states for these are on my profile as well. Go check.

Please Read and Review my final chapter! God why is this the end?

---

Final: Part Two

Chapter Fifteen: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Paranoid

---

Vince had been lying on his back and staring at the ceiling for at least two hours now. He had tossed his coat to the floor a while back. Now, resting in only his trousers and dress shoes he hardly thought or moved. Eyes fixed up, he did not blink.

On the dark walls; on the ceiling; on the stone floors, everywhere he looked her dark eyes shone through like a lantern. He saw her pale skin radiating like a bright candle to chase away the shadows. Everywhere his eyes fell he saw her happy smile.

It had been so long since such joy filled his dead body like warm spring air. Vince's skin tingled as if tiny electric shocks were rippling across his flesh in pleasant waves. Slowly he let his eyes drift shut and again he saw her as last, asleep. How peaceful she had looked, dejected yet peaceful.

"Stay sweet my little dove." Vince breathed sullenly to his empty chamber.

No candles were lit. No swirling incense burned in patterns to drug the room with sleep. There were no windows to let any amount of moon light in. The Prince lay on his cold bed in the pitch black nothingness he had come to grow apart of after so many years; hundreds of years and nothing but the dark and the cold. Vince signed softly. It was becoming harder to fight off his approaching dead slumber.

"Lydia, my Princess…" He thought out load. "Will you be happy still?" The haunting thought made his face wrinkle in pain. Death changed many people. It made them more depressed. It made them feel more isolated and alone. Eventually it could make them wild, insane even, more primitive and angry. Others felt at peace, liberated from a life of hardship and were no longer alone. When these ghosts came to the Neitherworld, they found much more than life on Earth ever offered them. Vince wondered what Lydia would find. He was almost scared of the very idea.

The air shifted significantly, quiet whispers seeped in through the corners of his room. Vince's eyes snapped open and dodged around in a frightful curiosity. He sat up slowly, his eyes making out nothing in the dark. He chose not to see; chose not to be aware of his own intuition. Not yet.

Vince jumped to his feet. He stood for a long moment in the dark listening, listening to the throaty murmurs that made his skin prickle with an intense and uneasy paranoia. Holding out his hand, a small glow ignited the room in a dull blue flush. No one presented themselves to him and no movement caught his eye. Vince realized he was still alone. The whispers were from somewhere else in his castle, close too. Silently listening he couldn't recognize a voice in the hushed conversation bouncing off his walls. His eyes move in and out of the shadows, listening hard into what the voices where trying to say.

Male…

Male

Female

Nothing…

Nothing…

Quiet…

Silence…

The voices returned again more hushed and frantic.

Male

Female

Male

Male

Female

Female

Nothing…

Male

Male

Male

..Dead….

Dead whispers

Dead

Alive

Beetlejuice…

"Lydia!" Vince stated in a shocked gasp before bolting for his door.

---

Lydia bit her lip, pondering over what Beetlejuice has said to her. She sat quietly on the bed with a single sheet wrapped around her body. The air felt cold on her bare skin and it caused her to shiver. Beetlejuice forward against her back and rub her upper arm slowly.

"Why can't you just forget them…stay here with me…" He said again in a hushed tone.

"They're my parents BJ… how can I just disappear on them?" Her eyes drifted down to her lap and she sighed. "What do you expect to happen if I stay anyways…I mean… Vince-"

Beetlejuice groaned, burying his face into Lydia soft hair. "Don't say his name… that brat is already toying with my last nerve. If he weren't already dead I'd kill him!" He noticed Lydia shift. The bed sheet had tightened around her and back straightening a fraction. Did that idea bother her? ...

"Lyds…I uh…" He started but stopped himself ad her shoulders relaxed.

"It's ok." She breathed. Lydia guessed she had made Beetlejuice uncomfortable in someway. She sighed gently.

Beetlejuice mused over her low tone of voice. Unsure of what he should say he decided to stand. Lydia looked up at him through her bangs and smiled quietly. He leaned down to kiss her forehead once before hunting for his pants.

Once on he came back to her side, where could you possibly take me that they couldn't find? was all he heard. Her lips silently mouthed words but no sound came out. Her head once again lowered, eyes glazed over in a dazed manner.

"What's the worst that can happen?" He joked giving her a half hearted smirk.

"Pretty well my life right now is the worst that could happen." Her sarcasm made Beetlejuice laugh which only caused her to frown in return. "B…please… I'm serious…."

His laugher subsided as quickly as it came. Sitting next to her and looking her in the eye he answered, "I know you are. Sucks too… I'm more of a 'make it up as ya go along' kind of guy. Not one for real planning ahead or being serious." He smiled idly.

"But you're dead, I'm not. How am I supposed to keep up with you running around like that?"

"Just stop asking questions Lyds. It's Do or Don't. And besides, I'd look after you."

"I want to go home." She persisted giving him a worn-out look. Beetlejuice pushed her bangs back with a red tipped finger and shrugged. They sat for a moment in a comfortable silence. Lydia rested her hand on top of his, holding it to her cheek. Softly she smiles, eyes lighting up. Beetlejuice didn't smile back nor did he reply. He just sat staring into her eyes and cursed himself for ever letting her out of his sight.

"What is it?" She asked. Beetlejuice didn't even know if he had heard her or not, just that her lips moved slightly. He shook his head and chuckled under his breath pulling away from her. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her pout at his actions. 'Ah babes…' Beetlejuice thought with a smile. 'You're a silly kid.'

Lydia moved closer to his side and rested a hand on his cold shoulder. She could exactly put her finger on what made him tick. He confused her to no end and yet she loved it.

Beetlejuice looked down at her and signed. "We should get going." He said lazily before kissing her once more on her lips. She kissed him back slowly before moving to let her feet rest on the floor. Beetlejuice jumped to his feet to help. Lydia still held the bed sheets around her tightly and blushed in embarrassment as it almost fell off.

She fixed the sheet up around her shoulders. As she went to push her hair out of her face she felt her body pulled forward and held tightly. Lydia found herself in an almost suffocating embrace against Beetlejuice's chest. She heard a low growl rumble in his chest. Lydia stiffened slowly trying to turn to look behind her but Beetlejuice's arms only tightened farther around her body.

"Let her go Beetlejuice. I warned you what would happen if you came back."

Beetlejuice bared his teeth at his advisory. "Fuck you." He snarled violently.

Vince glared at the two, his eyes glowed a deep purple in anger. "I will not be disobeyed Beetlejuice. I will go through her to get to you." His voice was hard and serious. It was not a threat but a promise.

Beetlejuice frowned, "You won't hurt her. We both know that. You're not that stupid."

Vince smiled cruelly looking at Lydia with hurt eyes. He held out her hand to her, "Lydia, my sweet, come here. I will spare you if you come to me." Lydia couldn't help but cower into Beetlejuice. Vince saw her recoil and lowered his hand. "Fine then, you will also die."

Beetlejuice could feel Lydia shaking against his side. Angrily he ground his teeth together glaring at the Prince. Vince's threat would not stand with him, he was sure of it. It was the straw to break his back. Beetlejuice stepped in front of Lydia, hiding her from Vince's sight and reach.

From behind him Lydia was burying her face into his back. She closed her eyes tightly.

"Look you brat, she's mine, you won't touch her!" Beetlejuice yelled at Vince. Mentally he hated how shaken his voice sounded.

"You can't control the situation. You are not nearly as powerful as you think, especially compared to myself." Vince came closer to the two, stopping short of only a few feet. "Now get away from the girl Beetlejuice!"

"Make. Me." He spat through clenched teeth.

"Now, now Beetlejuice let us be civil." Vince chuckled pointing a thin finger at Lydia.

Her voice cracked in her throat in surprise. As if time and motion had slowed down, her knees gave out and she slowly slid to the floor at Beetlejuice's feet. In shock Beetlejuice looked down at Lydia. Her eyes were open wide, the colour was draining from her face and she gasped for air like a fish on the shore.

Beetlejuice dropped beside Lydia's body which began to violently thrash about. Shaking and twitching. Her hands searched for something to cling to; to sink her nails into. Beetlejuice touched her face. He could feel the warmth leave the pale flesh on her jaw.

"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?" Beetlejuice yelled at the Prince as he pulled Lydia's body up into his lap.

"I'd advise you to keep your voice low Beetlejuice." Vince said circling him like a vulture. Beetlejuice's eye twitched trying to resist the urge to scream threats. No one told him what to do. "I can have my guards here within seconds."

Vince stood off, keeping a distance from Beetlejuice and his little human.

"Stop this!"

"That's up to you Beetlejuice. There's only enough air in her lungs to last her another three minutes. We can either, stand around and watch her die…or you can surrender now."

Beetlejuice's nostrils flared as he snorted. "She's not your god damn play thing!"

Vince grinned. "But she's yours?" He tested. "I find that mighty selfish of you. Besides Beetlejuice, I warned you this would happen. It's your own fault. You're to blame."

"You little-"

"Tick, Tock Beetlejuice. Once she dies, she will not join us." Vince said glaring down impatiently.

"What?"

"She's in the Neitherworld Beetlejuice. Humans can't die here! Her soul will disintegrate before it even leaves her body." Vince's voice held strong. He stood his ground and refused to move from it.

Beetlejuice slid Lydia off of him; she rolled onto her side, fits of coughing and gasps leaving her mouth. Beetlejuice tore his eyes away from her frame towards Vince. A silent breath fell from his lips.

In a flash Beetlejuice lunged forward at the Prince grabbing him tightly around the neck. "I don't like you." He said calmly before erupting in a loud cackle. "Now let her live or I will tare your soul to pieces." He gave him a toothy grin, his nails bit into the back of Vince's neck painfully.

Vince whimpered in fear, his hands scratching away at Beetlejuice's knuckles trying to get free. He tried to speak but couldn't from the tightness of Beetlejuice's hold. Beetlejuice shook his arms and the Prince aggressively. "Let her go you!" He yelled, spitting in Vince's face in anger. In Vince's fear he waved his hand quickly.

Beetlejuice tossed Vince aside. His body made a heavy thud on the floor. From behind he could hear Lydia hastily breathing air back into her lungs. Turning he looked at her sympathetically. She lay half on her back, arms wrapped around herself. She still trembled but it was only slightly. To Beetlejuice, she looked so fragile, scared, and in need.

Slowly he went back to her side, kneeling down to lightly stroke her arm.

"Let's get you home." Beetlejuice said with a small smile.

---

Time passed slowly. Lydia had fallen asleep against his arm and he had been to afraid to move her. Beetlejuice watched her sleep. Her slightly parted lips and the rhythmic breaths she took. He sighed gently as the night went on quietly.

After a while the warm lump of breathing love stirred from her sleep.

"Mornin' sunshine." Beetlejuice chuckled giving Lydia a kiss on the forehead. "How are you feeling?"

Lydia flushed before returning his good morning kiss. "I'm feeling a little dizzy."

"I'm not surprised…" He said taking hold of her forearms. "Everything's back to normal babes."

"Yeah, I guess so." She snuggled up into his neck and closed her eyes once more. Sighing she smiled. Beetlejuice ran his fingers over the veins in Lydia's arms. The light tracing movement made her giggle. "I don't remember this being something we did."

"Not really… but it's nice isn't it?" Beetlejuice asked. Lydia nodded.

Suddenly she pushed herself up onto his chest. "By the way, what was that she's mine business?" Lydia teased, faking a miffed look. Beetlejuice answered with a smug grin and a lazy shrug.

"Sorry babes. You not like that?" He asked pulling her close to him.

Lydia tilted her head up to look at him. "I didn't say that." She placed her chin down on her hands over his chest and smiles at his stubbornness. "You're not going to leave again are you?"

Beetlejuice looked at her questionably. "Why would I? I thought you may be a little scared of the two up stairs." He groaned loudly.

"Oh shit I forgot about them…"

Lydia shook her head and smiled, "They'll get used to it." She said leaning up to his lips.

"Good. I ain't leaving you alone for a moment." Beetlejuice told her giving her a quick kiss. Lydia exhaled lightly against his mouth. He chuckled again, pressing her to his lips once more in a long kiss.

---

Review Comments:

Pendras: Hey new reader! Hope the ending suits you. Thanks for reading!!

Hinata245: Devoted fan girls?? Awesome! Enjoy the last chapter.

VictorianLydia: teehee. Here's the rest. Hope you liked it.

SeductressofDarkness: Ah you don't have to cry, it was a happy ending! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing as much as you have! Big smiles and hugs. Thanks!!!

CCVenus10: I'm still here so don't worry. Ah Vince, a little schizophrenic but really is a wimp. We love him. Or at least I do. He's like a puppy!

Siamese2005: Yay you're back! Here is your update! Hope it's decent and that you like it!

Yaoiholic28: I know! You can just imagine the anger in his eyes. Glad you liked the last chapter. Hope this one was just as good.

Lover not a : Aw why does everyone cry? I know it's cute but I don't mean to make you all cry. I'm sorry! Hope it was good though. *puppy eyes*

Cybernetic Mango: no need to feel bad for anyone. It's happy, and now really cute! Hope you enjoyed it!

Roolsilver: I didn't forget any of you guys! Hope you like this last chapter.

---

A/N: Hey, for all those still kicking around here is that soundtrack I was talking about! It's sorta in an order but yeah. Since sometimes you might not get it, read the stuff in the brackets after the song.

1. Blood Red Sandman by: Lordi (The idea for the first/second chapter)

2. Bleed it out by: Linkin Park

3. Give me Your Eyes by: Brandon Heath

4. Hanging by a Moment by Lifehouse (I don't know. It felt like the right song for the ending of chapter five)

5. Accidentally in Love by Counting Crows (Chapter six. Duh)

6. Denial by: Sugarbabes (I never heard of it before tonight…it works and that's creepy)

7. Get Over It by: Avril Lavigne (Lydia's feelings in chapter eight)

8. Without You from: Rent (I know that's a bit weird but it fits in between the end of chapter eight up to chapter ten)

9. Crash 'n' Burn by: Savage Garden

10. Mein Herz Brennt by: Rammstein (more or less but I like the chorus)

11. Think Twice" By: Eve 6 (More or less. A few lines and all from Vince's point of view)

12. Primal Scream by: Motley Crue (Title of chapter fourteen)

13. I think I'm paranoid by: Garbage (Idea for the finial title)